Physician assistants (PA) are advanced practice providers (APP) trained to care for patients under the supervision of a physician. They are licensed to provide primary and specialty care, create treatment plans, order diagnostic tests and prescribe medication. Some PAs were Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN) before they went to PA school; those who weren’t complete a core science curriculum during their undergraduate education that prepares them for PA school.
The physician assistant profession is growing, and with good reason. Advances in medicine mean people live longer. And the aging population, rising chronic disease rates and a global physician shortage mean patients face longer wait times to see their doctor. Physician assistants and other advanced practice providers help bridge the gap between patients and the care they need. They can provide high-quality health care at every stage of life.
“Physician assistants practice in every area of medicine. From well-checks to urgent care, PAs provide timely care so patients can get the needed help,” says David Cary, PA-C at Williamsburg Primary Care Midtown.
PAs training and education
Physician assistants complete a master’s degree in an accredited PA program. As part of their education, they have at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice that spans various primary and specialty areas. After passing a national exam, they must be board certified and licensed. Like physicians, they must also take continuing education courses each year. And, to ensure current education and training, they must re-certify every ten years.
PA cares for urgent and routine health care needs
“The vast majority of physician assistants practice in primary care and family medicine. They serve as the patient’s partner in health. In this role, they both prevent and manage diseases,” says Mr. Cary.
Because most PAs work in primary care, they assist with routine health needs such as well-checks, annual physicals, treating viral and bacterial infections, and monitoring disease risk factors such as weight, blood pressure and blood sugar. Many PAs also practice outside primary care in the emergency room, and urgent care and surgical settings. Fewer physician assistants work in specialty areas such as dermatology and gastroenterology. In all these areas, physician assistants coordinate with a physician to provide excellent care to those in need.
Have health care needs? See a PA
Physician assistants and other advanced practice providers have quickly become a staple in modern health care. Their presence shorten wait times and provide efficient, high-quality care at every age and stage of life. Schedule an appointment today with Mr. Cary or find another Riverside primary care provider in MyChart.
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